Grilling turkey sausages over an open flame can leave you with a dry and burnt meal if you’re not careful. If you want better flavor and texture, try braising your turkey sausages! Smoke braising will deliver the flavors of smoked sausages with the juiciness of braised meat.
Grilling turkey sausage is a summertime staple that can take your cookouts from basic to spectacular. The sizzling sear of the grill infuses smoky depth while sealing in the juicy flavor. But under or overcooking can leave you with dry, burnt or unsafe to eat sausage.
Knowing exactly how long to grill turkey sausage is key to grilling success. The time depends on the thickness, preparation method, and doneness temperature. With the right techniques, you’ll earn grill master status in no time.
Factors that Impact Grill Time
Many elements influence the duration needed to perfectly grill turkey sausage. Consider these factors:
Thickness
Thinner sausages cook faster than plump, thick links. Lean turkey sausage under 1/2 inch thick takes about 8-12 minutes Normal 3/4 inch sausages need 12-15 minutes Jumbo 1 inch plus links require 15-18 minutes to fully cook.
Preparation Method
Whole sausages take longer than pre-cooked or braised varieties. Sausages braised before grilling won’t need as much time on the grill. Cut sausage into chunks or slices also reduces grill time.
Desired Doneness
For food safety, turkey sausage must reach 165°F internally to eliminate bacteria. Use an instant read thermometer to check. If you prefer well-done sausage, allow extra grill time after the sausage hits 165°F.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Turkey Sausage
Follow these expert tips for grilling plump, juicy turkey sausage every time:
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Preheat the grill thoroughly – Let the grill heat for 10-15 minutes on medium before adding sausage. This prevents undercooking.
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Use a two-zone fire – Sear sausages over direct heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking. This prevents charring.
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Oil the grates – Lightly oil hot grates to prevent sticking. Try olive or avocado oil.
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Flip frequently – Rotating and flipping often ensures even doneness. Use tongs for easy flipping.
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Brush with sauce near the end – Glazing with barbecue sauce adds flavor. Avoid sugary sauces too early which can burn.
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Rest before serving – Let sausages rest 5 minutes after grilling. This allows juices to redistribute.
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Check temperature – Use an instant read thermometer to test doneness, not just time. Cook to 165°F.
Estimated Grill Times by Thickness
Use these general guidelines for grilling turkey sausage based on thickness:
- Thin turkey sausage (under 1/2 inch): 8-12 minutes
- Medium turkey sausage (3/4 inch): 12-15 minutes
- Thick turkey sausage (over 1 inch): 15-18 minutes
The times above are for fully cooked sausage. If using raw sausage, allow a few extra minutes. Also extend times for well-done sausage.
Check temperature instead of relying solely on grill time estimates. Variables like heat intensity and proximity to the heat source can alter cook times.
Braising Turkey Sausage Before Grilling
While grilling raw turkey sausage works, braising sausage before hitting the grill enhances moisture and flavor. Braising involves cooking the sausage in broth, beer, wine or other flavorful liquid.
Benefits of braising turkey sausage:
- Imparts extra flavor
- Seals in moisture
- Prevents shrinkage
- Allows seasoning penetration
- Minimizes grill time
To braise, place sausage in a pan with 1/2 inch of liquid. Bring to a boil, then simmer until nearly cooked through. Finish sausages on the grill just until browned.
Delicious Turkey Sausage Recipes for the Grill
The possibilities are endless when grilling turkey sausage. Try these creative recipes:
Sausage Caprese Skewers
- Thread chunks of turkey sausage, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and grill.
Italian Sausage Sandwiches
- Tuck grilled turkey Italian sausage in crusty rolls topped with sautéed peppers and onions.
Sausage and Pineapple Kabobs
- Alternate pieces of turkey sausage with pineapple chunks, red onion, and bell pepper on skewers for a tropical twist.
Breakfast Turkey Sausage Patties
- Form ground turkey into patties seasoned with sage, garlic, and fennel. Grill and serve with eggs.
Master the Art of Grilling Turkey Sausage
Armed with the proper techniques and timing, you can serve grilled turkey sausage that’s charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. Consider thickness, preparation method, and safe doneness temperatures for perfect results. Get creative with fun recipes and wow your guests with your grilling skills.
How do you Braise Turkey Sausage?
Braising requires placing your turkey sausages in a pan containing braising liquid that covers only the base of your sausages. The pan then goes into a smoker or on a covered grill. The braising liquid will cook the bottom of the sausages while the un-submerged parts get smoked. For more about how to braise turkey sausages, please keep reading!
Preparing Turkey Sausages for the Grill
Prepping your turkey sausages before braising on the grill is a simple task. First, if your sausages are frozen, you must thaw them before cooking. Cooking frozen sausages can lead to a longer cooking time and unevenly cooked sausages. We recommend thawing frozen sausages in the refrigerator, so be sure to plan for that extra time.
After thawing the sausages, take them out of the package and pat them dry with paper towels. Some cooks slice open sausages before grilling, but we do not recommend doing this with turkey sausages. Leaving the casing intact will allow the turkey to cook in its juices and retain much of its moisture and flavor.
To make braised turkey sausages, you will need:
- Shady Brook Farms turkey sausages
- Aluminum pan
- Seasonings (salt and black pepper)
- A grill
- Liquid (water, beer, stock, or your preferred braising mixture)
Grilled TURKEY SAUSAGE | How to make Turkey Sausage on THE GRILL
FAQ
How long does it take to grill turkey sausages?
Prepare a grill for cooking over medium heat. Grill the turkey sausages until seared on both sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes per side.
How do you know when turkey sausage is cooked?
Internal Temperature: The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. Cook sausages until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for pork and beef sausages, and 165°F (74°C) for chicken or turkey sausages.
How to grill sausage on a gas grill?
To accomplish this, grill the sausage over direct low (300 F) heat for approximately 2 minutes a side. This helps add color and flavor to the meat. Next, move the sausage to indirect heat and continue to grill another 8-10 minutes with the lid closed.
How long to cook turkey sausage?
Here’s a general guideline for how long to cook turkey sausage using different methods: Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). Grill the turkey sausage for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cooked through and browned. Pan-frying: Heat a skillet over medium heat.
How long do you cook sausage on a grill?
Place sausages on the preheated grill. Grill until browned and cooked through, turning occasionally, 10 to 16 minutes. Your cooking time will depend on your grill and how close the sausages are to the heat. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 165 degrees F (73 degrees C) for well done.
How do you cook a turkey sausage patty?
Turkey sausage comes in link form or pre-made patties. Cook them as follows: Sausage links – Follow pan frying, baking, or grilling steps above. Sausage patties – Cook like you would a burger patty in a skillet or on the grill. Look for internal temp of 165°F. Patties typically cook quicker than links. Watch closely to prevent overcooking.
How do you cook turkey sausage on a stovetop?
One of the quickest and easiest ways to cook turkey sausage is right on the stovetop in a skillet. Here are some tips: Use a heavy pan like cast iron or stainless steel to evenly brown the sausage. Nonstick is not ideal as it won’t develop fond. Heat the pan over medium-high heat before adding oil.
What temperature should turkey sausage be cooked to?
It’s crucial to cook turkey sausage to a safe internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the sausage in the thickest part. If the temperature is below 165°F, continue cooking until it reaches the safe temperature. Here are some additional tips for cooking turkey sausage:
How do you cook turkey sausage links?
Cut turkey sausage links apart with a sharp knife. To help the sausages brown as they cook, you can brush them with a little cooking oil or melted butter — preferably unsalted, since sausage is usually fairly salty. Grease the rack of a roasting pan, oven-safe casserole or baking sheet and line the sausages without letting them touch each other.